Little to celebrate at the birth of 'Hamastan'

[barb162]

Little to celebrate at the birth of 'Hamastan'

Ian Black, Middle East editor
Friday June 15, 2007
The Guardian

Hamas flags flying in triumph over the Gaza Strip represent a historic blow to Palestinian national unity as well as an end to already slim hopes for any sort of meaningful peace process with Israel.
Barring some dramatic reversal after the latest fighting - such as the improbable survival of the Hamas-Fatah coalition government - 1.4 million Palestinians in what is now being dubbed "Hamastan" will not only be physically cut off from their compatriots in the West Bank but will also be ruled by a movement that advocates armed resistance and is boycotted by Israel and the international community.

Neither side will be in a position to conduct negotiations with Israel or anyone else, killing off any hopes of urgently needed momentum to the current stalemate. "It leaves the Palestinians fragmented and very weak," said a senior Arab diplomat. Iran and Syria, which support Hamas, have boosted their influence.

Palestinians
Analysts say that even if Hamas controls security, it has nothing else to offer. Since the Islamist movement is shunned by Israel, it is unclear how contacts will be maintained over controlling border crossings as well as fuel and power supplies.

snip
http://www.guardian.co.uk/israel/Story/0,,2103786,00.html

[Drum]

1. Yet more proxy war? nt

[barb162]

2. No one can be sure how events will unfold.

And I don't necessarily agree with all of that author's analysis.
I think the Arab League will definitely get involved, perhaps just to keep out the UN.

[Drum]

3. I would hope so,

and probably everyone wants to see the US away from this...I know I sure do, given the current administration.
:scared:

[razors edge]

4. Israel did not

shun Hamas when they funded them to counter the PLO.

Looks more like they will shun anyone in control regardless.